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Petri Kalliokoski: Artificial intelligence moves from words to deeds

Text: Petri Kalliokoski | Image: Antonin Halas
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1.12.2017

Ingress

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It may be cold outside while you are reading this, but the development of artificial intelligence is at its hottest. Artificial intelligence and algorithms have been studied and developed since the 1950s, but recent advances in telecommunications and processing power have made a real breakthrough possible. AI is finally leading to the roll-out of research findings in industry, consumer applications and commercial products.

It's great that Finland is strongly involved in research into and the application of AI. Minister of Industry Mika Lintilä has established a working group to create Finland's own AI programme. AI has also been named as a focal point in VTT's new strategy.

Businesses have strong faith in the potential of AI, but most application breakthroughs have yet to occur. Companies have large amounts of data and more is continually accumulating, but the ability to use it is often conspicuous by its absence.

VTT has many decades of experience in the field of artificial intelligence, various algorithms and data analytics. It also has strong expertise in fields now at the cutting edge of applying AI. These include traffic and health care.

Companies can also explore the potential of AI alongside VTT and its partners. Finland's position in artificial intelligence is also being strengthened by a vibrant ecosystem of companies and public-sector research.

AI is being held back by various fears and prejudices, in addition to lack of skill in its application. The media has claimed that AI and the related automation will destroy entire professions and thereby cause unemployment. However, it should be noted that AI will replace routine tasks in many professions, rather than eliminating entire job descriptions.

Experts in various fields will be better able to do their work when they can benefit from the potential of artificial intelligence. Doctors will obtain help in diagnosis and surgical procedures. Teachers will be able to provide their pupils with personalised support. City planners can create neighbourhoods that serve their residents better. Through artificial intelligence, Finnish jobs could become more competitive than before.

Artificial intelligence applications will unavoidably change the world. Now is the time to act and put Finland on the world map as an expert in artificial intelligence!

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